Valerien Ismael issues Daryl Dike and Kyle Bartley updates ahead of West Brom v Peterborough clash | OneFootball

West Bromwich Albion head coach Valerien Ismael has hinted that Daryl Dike could start his first game for the Baggies when Peterborough United visit The Hawthorns this weekend.

The American striker joined the Midlands club in a big-money move at the start of the month and made his debut when coming off the bench in last weekend’s defeat against Queens Park Rangers.

Dike certainly made somewhat of an impact though – none the least by barging opposition defender Yoann Barbet into the advertising boards – but he will be looking to get off the mark in-front of goal against Posh.

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Ismael though admitted that the 21-year-old is not ready to play a full 90 minutes just yet, so there is a dilemma as to whether he starts and gets an hour of football or comes off the substitutes bench once again.

One player who will be ready to return though if he gets through today’s training session unscathed is experienced defender Kyle Bartley.

Bartley missed the loss against QPR which forced full-backs Conor Townsend and Darnell Furlong to cover in the back three but he will ease the burden on the back-line if he’s ready, whilst Cedric Kipre will also return from suspension.

The Verdict

These are all major boosts for the Baggies who were severely depleted last weekend in London.

It wasn’t ideal for Furlong and Townsend to not be in their natural position but it was something forced upon Ismael – Bartley being back though will be a major boost.

What West Brom fans really want to see though is Daryl Dike starting, although tomorrow may come too soon for the USA international.

Ismael does not want to burn him out immediately after a bit of a break following the conclusion of the MLS season, so it does make sense if he’s restricted once again to a cameo role or perhaps he will get the whole of the second half to make an impact.